Navigating the Scientific Learning Collaborative (SLC) Evidence Map: Enhancing Research and Practice in Child Maltreatment through Transdisciplinary Collaboration

Child maltreatment (CM) is a complex issue influenced by a web of interacting factors at the individual, family, community, and societal levels. While significant progress has been made in understanding the predictors and outcomes of CM, the use of research evidence remains challenging due to its siloed nature. Our research team has conducted a novel research tool using systems science, specifically group model building, and literature review methods to synthesize and map the findings from systematic and scoping reviews on the factors relevant to CM. Our SLC Evidence Map is an interactive online tool that visually represents research findings across journals and disciplines to help both researchers and practitioners identify strengths and gaps in the field of CM prevention and intervention.

The SLC, an interdisciplinary group of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, employed a systems science (i.e., group model building) approach to building the map structure. This structure is broken down into nine interrelated cluster maps, which visually display hypothesized connections between domains of CM predictors, system involvement and outcomes. These visual maps are then populated with information from published literature reviews to summarize current empirical literature about the constructs and links nominated in the maps. This SLC Evidence map will become a nationally disseminated, free resource, to allow for (1) advancing innovations in modeling complex and dynamic interactions of predictors of maltreatment to improve targeting of prevention and intervention efforts; (2) creating a bidirectional path between identification of complex etiological models and real-world application of innovative approaches to prevention and intervention; and (3) providing access to non-academic audiences to empirical research to guide practice and policy.

This workshop will introduce this innovative, free, visual electronic tool to identify research strengths and gaps in the area of CM prevention, intervention and outcomes. It utilizes systems maps developed from academic and field collaborator input and populated with findings from existing literature reviews. Participants will learn about the development and purpose of the tool from student, researcher and stakeholder perspectives, how to access and navigate the map, and opportunities to participate in further development. Implications for application to other complex social and public health issues will also be discussed. Designed for Ph.D. students, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, this hands-on workshop will highlight the utility of the SLC Evidence Map for four scenarios: doctoral students trying to identify research gaps within CM; researchers trying to incorporate multidisciplinary insights into their studies; practitioners trying to identify evidence for grant proposals and programming; and policymakers seeking research findings to inform policymaking.

We will focus on four cluster maps: Caregiver Wellbeing & Family Environment, Financial Stressors & Resources, Social Support, Child Welfare System Reporting, Involvement & Policies. These maps (and remaining maps in progress) will be available to the public as an evolving national online resource launched on the Kumu website. Interested attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops or smartphones to actively participate in the interactive component of the session and contribute to the continuous development of the SLC Evidence Map.